Motor unit

ABSTRACT

A motor assembly includes a housing, a first substrate, a plate-shaped second substrate, and a connector portion. The housing includes a tubular portion that accommodates a motor with an axis of rotation that extends in the vertical direction. The first substrate extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The second substrate extends in a direction intersecting the first substrate. The connector portion electrically connects the first substrate and the second substrate. The connector portion overlaps with the housing as viewed from the axial direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a U.S. national stage of application No. PCT/JP2020/034771,filed on Sep. 14, 2020, with priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) and 35U.S.C. § 365(b) being claimed from Japanese Patent Application No.2019-179709, filed on Sep. 30, 2019, the entire disclosures of which arehereby incorporated herein by reference.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a motor assembly.

2. BACKGROUND

Conventionally, a motor assembly having a plurality of substratesincluding a control substrate of a motor is known.

However, when the motor assembly has a plurality of substrates, the sizeof the motor assembly may increase depending on the arrangement of eachsubstrate.

SUMMARY

An example embodiment of a motor assembly of the present disclosureincludes a housing, a first substrate, a plate-shaped second substrate,and a connector portion. The housing includes a tubular portion thataccommodates a motor with an axis of rotation that extends in an axialdirection. The first substrate extends in a direction perpendicular tothe axial direction. The second substrate extends in a directionintersecting the first substrate. The connector portion electricallyconnects the first substrate and the second substrate. The connectorportion overlaps with the housing as viewed from the axial direction.

The above and other elements, features, steps, characteristics andadvantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from thefollowing detailed description of the example embodiments with referenceto the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a motor assembly according to an exampleembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a motor assembly according to anexample embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the radialdirection.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a motor assembly according to anexample embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the axialdirection.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of a connection portionaccording to an example embodiment of the present invention between anupper housing and a lower housing.

FIG. 5A shows a modification of a fixing structure of a side substrateaccording to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B shows another modification of a fixing structure of a sidesubstrate according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a motor assembly according to afirst modification according to an example embodiment of the presentinvention as viewed from the radial direction.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a motor assembly according to asecond modification according to an example embodiment of the presentinvention as viewed from the radial direction.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a motor assembly according to athird modification according to an example embodiment of the presentinvention as viewed from the axial direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, example embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed with reference to the drawings.

In the present specification, in a motor assembly 100, a directionparallel to a center axis CA is referred to as an “axial direction”,“axial”, or “axially”. Of the axial directions, a direction from a lowerbearing Br2 to an upper bearing Br1 described later is referred to as“upward”, and a direction from the upper bearing Br1 to the lowerbearing Br2 is referred to as “downward”. In each component, an end onthe upper side is referred to as an “upper end” and an end on the lowerside is referred to as a “lower end”. Among surfaces of each component,a surface facing upward is referred to as an “upper surface”, and asurface facing downward is referred to as a “lower surface”.

A direction orthogonal to the center axis CA is referred as “radialdirection”, “radial”, or “radially”. Of the radial directions, adirection toward the center axis CA is referred as “radially inward”,and a direction away from the center axis CA is referred as “radiallyoutward”. In each component, an end in the radially inward direction isreferred to as a “radial inner end”, and an end in the radially outwarddirection is referred to as a “radial outer end”. Among side surfaces ofeach component, a side surface facing inward is referred to as a “radialinner surface”, and a side surface facing outward is referred to as a“radial outer surface”.

A direction of rotation about the center axis CA is referred to as a“circumferential direction Dr”. Of the circumferential directions Dr,the counterclockwise direction facing downward and centered on thecenter axis CA is referred to as “one circumferential direction Dr1”,and the clockwise direction facing downward and centered on the centeraxis CA is referred to as “the other circumferential direction Dr2”. Ineach component, an end in the circumferential direction Dr is referredto as a “circumferential end”. Further, an end in the onecircumferential direction Dr1 is referred to as “one circumferentialend”, and an end in the other circumferential direction Dr2 is referredto as “the other circumferential end”. Among side surfaces of eachcomponent, a side surface facing the circumferential direction Dr isreferred to as a “circumferential side surface”. Furthermore, a sidesurface facing the one circumferential direction Dr1 is referred to as“one circumferential side surface”, and a side surface facing the othercircumferential direction Dr2 is referred to as “the othercircumferential side surface”.

Further, in the present specification, an “annular shape” includes notonly a shape continuously connected without any cut along the entirecircumference in the circumferential direction Dr around the center axisCA but also a shape having one or more cuts in a part of the entirecircumference around the center axis CA. The “annular shape” alsoincludes a shape having a closed curve on a curved surface thatintersects with the center axis CA around the center axis CA.

In the positional relationship between any one of the azimuth, line, andplane and another one of them, the term “parallel” indicates not only astate in which they do not intersect even if they extend endlessly butalso a state in which they are substantially parallel. The terms“perpendicular” and “orthogonal” each include not only a state in whichthe both intersect at 90 degrees with each other but also a state inwhich the both are substantially perpendicular and a state in which theboth are substantially orthogonal. That is, the terms “parallel”,“vertical”, and “orthogonal” each include a state in which thepositional relationship between them has an angular deviation that doesnot depart from the gist of the present disclosure.

It should be noted that the matters described above are not strictlyapplied when incorporated in an actual device.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the motor assembly 100. FIG. 2 is across-sectional view of the motor assembly 100 as viewed from the radialdirection. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the motor assembly 100 asviewed from the axial direction. In FIG. 1 , a side substrate 41 istransparently displayed to make it easier to see the inside. FIG. 2shows a cross-sectional structure of the motor assembly 100 when themotor assembly 100 is cut along a virtual plane including the centeraxis CA, and corresponds to a cross section taken along an alternatelong and short dash line C-C in FIG. 3 . FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectionalstructure of the motor assembly 100 when the motor assembly 100 is cutalong a virtual plane perpendicular to the center axis CA, andcorresponds to a cross section taken along a solid line A-A in FIG. 2 .

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the motor assembly 100 includes a motor 1, ahousing 3, a plate-shaped side substrate 41, a plate-shaped uppersubstrate 42, a connector portion 6, and a cover member 7.

The motor 1 includes a shaft 10, a rotor 11, and a stator 12.

The shaft 10 is an axis of rotation of the rotor 11, supports the rotor11, and is rotatable with the rotor 11 about the center axis CA. Notethat the shaft 10 is not limited to the example in the exampleembodiment, and may be a fixed shaft attached to the stator 12. Notethat when the shaft 10 is a fixed shaft, the rotor 11 is provided with abearing (not shown) between the shaft 10 and the rotor 11.

The rotor 11 is rotatable with respect to the stator 12 about the centeraxis CA extending in the vertical direction. The rotor 11 includes arotor core 111 and a magnet 112.

The rotor core 111 has an annular shape or a tubular shape surroundingthe center axis CA, and is fixed to the radial outer surface of theshaft 10. The rotor core 111 is a magnetic body, and is a laminated bodyin which a plurality of electromagnetic steel plates are laminated inthe axial direction in the present example embodiment.

The magnet 112 is held on the radial outer surface of the rotor core111. The magnet 112 has a tubular shape surrounding the center axis CAand extends in the axial direction. Not limited to this example, themagnet 112 may have a configuration having a plurality of magnet piecesarranged in the circumferential direction Dr. The magnet 112 is locatedradially inward with respect to the stator 12, and faces the radialinner surface of the stator 12 in the radial direction. The magnet 112is, for example, a rare earth sintered magnet such as a neodymiumsintered magnet, and has a plurality of magnetic poles different fromeach other, that is, N poles and S poles. The N poles and S poles arearranged alternately in the circumferential direction.

The stator 12 has an annular shape surrounding the center axis CA and isheld by the housing 3. The stator 12 drives and rotates the rotor 11when the motor 1 is driven. The stator 12 includes a stator core 121, aninsulator 122, a plurality of coils 123, and a bus bar 124.

The stator core 121 has an annular shape surrounding the center axis CA.The stator core 121 is a magnetic body, and is a laminated body in whicha plurality of electromagnetic steel plates are laminated in the axialdirection in the present example embodiment.

The insulator 122 covers a part of the stator core 121. The insulator122 is formed of a material having electrical insulation such assynthetic resin, enamel, and rubber.

Each coil 123 is formed by winding a conductive wire (not denoted by areference numeral) around the stator core 121 via the insulator 122.When a drive current is supplied to each coil 123, the stator 12 isexcited and drives the rotor 11. The conductive wire is, for example, ametal wire covered with an insulating material, such as an enamel-coatedcopper wire.

The bus bar 124 is formed of a conductive material, and electricallyconnects the ends of the conductors extending from the respective coils123. Further, the bus bar 124 is electrically connected to the uppersubstrate 42 via a connection line not shown. That is, each coil 123 iselectrically connected to the upper substrate 42 via the bus bar 124.The stator 2 may not include the bus bar 124, without being limited tothe example of the present example embodiment. In that case, theconductor of each coil 123 is, for example, directly electricallyconnected to the upper substrate 42.

Next, the housing 3 houses the motor 1 whose axis of rotation extends inthe vertical direction. The housing 3 includes the upper housing 31 andthe lower housing 32.

Further, as will be described later, a part of a side substrateaccommodating chamber Sp1, an upper substrate accommodating chamber Sp2,and a passage space Sp3 are formed in the housing 3. The side substrateaccommodating chamber Sp1 accommodates the side substrate 41. The uppersubstrate accommodating chamber Sp2 accommodates the upper substrate 42.The passage space Sp3 connects the side substrate accommodating chamberSp1 and the upper substrate accommodating chamber Sp2. In this way,since the side substrate accommodating chamber Sp1 and the uppersubstrate accommodating chamber Sp2 are connected via the passage spaceSp3, the side substrate 41 and the upper substrate 42 can be easilyconnected.

A configuration of the upper housing 31 will be described with referenceto FIGS. 1 to 3 . The upper housing 31 has an upper lid portion 311, anupper bearing holder 312, a tubular portion 313, a frame portion 314, araised portion 315, and a peripheral wall portion 316. In other words,the housing 3 has the upper lid portion 311, the upper bearing holder312, the tubular portion 313, the frame portion 314, the raised portion315, and the peripheral wall portion 316.

The upper lid portion 311 covers the upper end of the tubular portion313. As mentioned earlier, the housing 3 has the upper lid portion 311.The upper lid portion 311 extends radially outward from the center axisCA.

The passage space Sp3 is formed in the upper lid portion 311. Thepassage space Sp3 is a recess formed at the radial outer end of theupper surface of the upper lid portion 311 and is recessed downward.More specifically, the passage space Sp3 is formed in a part, in thecircumferential direction Dr, of the radial outer end of the uppersurface of the upper lid portion 311. Further, the passage space Sp3 isrecessed radially inward from the radial outer end of the upper lidportion 311 and opens upward. In other words, the passage space Sp3 isrecessed downward from the upper surface of the upper lid portion 311and opens radially outward.

Further, the upper lid portion 311 is provided with an opening(reference numeral omitted) surrounding the center axis CA.

The upper bearing holder 312 has a tubular shape and extends downwardfrom the radial inner end of the upper lid portion 311 along the edge ofthe opening. The shaft 10 is inserted in the upper bearing holder 312 inthe axial direction. The upper bearing Br1 is arranged on the radialinner surface of the upper bearing holder 312. The upper bearing holder312 rotatably supports the upper portion of the shaft 10 via the upperbearing Br1. The upper bearing Br1 is a ball bearing in this exampleembodiment. However, the present disclosure is not limited to thisexample, and the upper bearing Br1 may be, for example, a sleevebearing.

In this example embodiment, the upper bearing holder 312 is a differentpart of the same member as the upper lid portion 311. However, thepresent disclosure is not limited to the example of the present exampleembodiment, and the upper bearing holder 312 may be a separate body fromthe upper lid portion 311. For example, the upper bearing holder 312 maybe a separate member integrally molded with at least the upper lidportion 311.

The peripheral wall portion 316 protrudes upward from a part of theradial outer end of the upper lid portion 311 other than the part facingthe passage space Sp3, and extends in the circumferential direction. Asa result, the upper substrate accommodating chamber Sp2 foraccommodating the upper substrate 42 is formed radially inward withrespect to the peripheral wall portion 316.

A recess 3160 is formed on the upper surface of the peripheral wallportion 316. The recess 3160 is recessed downward and extends in thecircumferential direction Dr from one circumferential end to the othercircumferential end of the peripheral wall portion 316.

The tubular portion 313 has a tubular shape extending in the axialdirection, and extends downward from the radial outer end of the upperlid portion 311. The tubular portion 313 accommodates the motor 1 whoserotation axis extends in the vertical direction. As mentioned earlier,the housing 3 has the tubular portion 313.

The radial outer surface of the tubular portion 313 is provided with arecess 3130 for preventing contact with an electronic component E1,described later, having a longitudinal direction. The recess 3130 isrecessed radially inward from the radial outer surface of the tubularportion 313. The recess 3130 faces an accommodation space Hs which willbe described later. For example, by forming the recess 3130 in a regionof the radial outer surface of the tubular portion 313 near theelectronic component E1, the clearance between the electronic componentE1 mounted on the side substrate 41 and the tubular portion 313 can bewider. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for the electroniccomponent E1 to come into contact with the tubular portion 313.

The frame portion 314 protrudes radially outward from the radial outersurface of the tubular portion 313. The frame portion 314 forms a partof the side substrate accommodating chamber Sp1 inside thereof. Asmentioned earlier, the housing 3 has the frame portion 314.

The frame portion 314 has a pair of side wall portions 3141 and 3142, anupper wall portion 3143, and a lower wall portion 3144. In the followingdescription, one of the pair of side wall portions 3141 and 3142 may bereferred to as a first side wall portion 3141 and the other may bereferred to as a second side wall portion 3142.

The pair of side wall portions 3141 and 3142 protrude from the radialouter surface of the tubular portion 313 in a direction including atleast the radially outward direction and the circumferential direction,and extend in the axial direction. More specifically, the first sidewall portion 3141 protrudes from the radial outer surface of the tubularportion 313 in the direction including at least the radially outwarddirection and the one circumferential direction Dr1, and extends in theaxial direction. The second side wall portion 3142 protrudes from theradial outer surface of the tubular portion 313 in the directionincluding at least the radially outward direction and the othercircumferential direction Dr2, and extends in the axial direction. Asdescribed above, the frame portion 314 has the first side wall portion3141 and the second side wall portion 3142.

The upper wall portion 3143 connects the radial outer end of the firstside wall portion 3141 and the radial outer end of the second side wallportion 3142 at the upper parts of the first side wall portion 3141 andthe second side wall portion 3142. As described above, the frame portion314 has the upper wall portion 3143. In the present example embodiment,the upper wall portion 3143 connects the radial outer end of the upperend of the first side wall portion 3141 and the radial outer end of theupper end of the second side wall portion 3142. The upper wall portion3143 extends in the first direction D1 and spreads in the axialdirection. As shown in FIG. 1 , the first direction D1 is a directionfrom the radial outer end of the upper end of the first side wallportion 3141 toward the radial outer end of the upper end of the secondside wall portion 3142.

Recesses 3145 are formed on the upper surfaces of the pair of side wallportions 3141 and 3142 and the upper wall portion 3143. The recess 3145is recessed downward and extends along the upper ends of the pair ofside wall portions 3141 and 3142 and the upper end of the upper wallportion 3143. One end of the recess 3145 is connected to onecircumferential end of the recess 3160 formed on the peripheral wallportion 316. The other end of the recess 3145 connects to the othercircumferential end of the recess 3160. The recess 3145 and the recess3160 form the groove Gr having a closed curve shape as viewed from theaxial direction.

The lower wall portion 3144 connects the radial outer end of the firstside wall portion 3141 and the radial outer end of the second side wallportion 3142 at the lower parts of the first side wall portion 3141 andthe second side wall portion 3142. As described above, the frame portion314 has the lower wall portion 3144. In the present example embodiment,the lower wall portion 3144 protrudes radially outward from the radialouter end of the tubular portion 313 and extends in the first directionD1. Further, the lower wall portion 3144 connects the radial outer endof the lower end portion of the first side wall portion 3141 and theradial outer end of the lower end portion of the second side wallportion 3142.

Further, a protrusion 3140 protruding radially outward is formed at theradial outer end of the frame portion 314. In the present exampleembodiment, the protrusion 3140 has a closed curved shape extendingalong the radial outer end of the frame portion 314 as viewed from theradial direction in which the frame portion 314 protrudes.

Further, the upper wall portion 3143 has a raised portion 315. In otherwords, the housing 3 has the raised portion 315. The raised portion 315protrudes radially outward at the upper end of the radial outer surfaceof the upper wall portion 3143 and extends in the first direction D1described above. The raised portion 315 is arranged above the protrusion3140 formed at the radial outer end of the frame portion 314 and a sidecover portion 71. In this way, the raised portion 315 can protect theupper end of the side cover portion 71, the contact portion between theouter edge of the side cover portion 71 as viewed from the radialdirection, and the housing 3.

The raised portion 315 and the tubular portion 313 are different partsof the same member, respectively, and in the present example embodiment,they are different parts of the upper housing 31.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3 , the accommodation space Hs for accommodatingthe electronic component E1 is provided between the tubular portion 313and the pair of side wall portions 3141 and 3142 as viewed from theaxial direction. More specifically, an accommodation space Hs1 isprovided between the tubular portion 313 and the first side wall portion3141, and an accommodation space Hs2 is provided between the tubularportion 313 and the second side wall portion 3142.

In this way, even if a large-sized electronic component E1 having alongitudinal direction such as a capacitor or a regulator of amicrocomputer is mounted on the side substrate 41, the electroniccomponent E1 can be accommodated in the accommodation space Hs.Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of themotor assembly 100 in the direction in which the mounting surface of thecomponent E1 faces. For example, in the present example embodiment,since the mounting surface of the electronic component E1 on the sidesubstrate 41 faces radially inward, it is possible to suppress anincrease in the radial size of the motor assembly 100. Therefore, themotor assembly 100 can be downsized as compared with the configurationin which the electronic component E1 mounted on the side substrate 41 isnot accommodated in the accommodation space Hs.

Further, the weight of the housing 3 can be reduced as compared with theconfiguration in which the space between the tubular portion 313 and thepair of side wall portions 3141 and 3142 is filled with the material ofthe housing 3, so that the weight of the motor assembly 100 can bereduced.

In the accommodation space Hs, in a portion where a side surface of thefirst side wall portion 3141 facing the tubular portion 313 at least inthe radial direction is connected to the radial outer surface of thetubular portion 313, the side surface and the radial outer surface ofthe tubular portion 313 form an acute angle as viewed from the axialdirection. Similarly, in a portion where at least the side surface ofthe second side wall portion 3142 facing the tubular portion 313 in theradial direction is connected to the radial outer surface of the tubularportion 313, the side surface and the radial outer surface of thetubular portion 313 forms an acute angle as viewed from the axialdirection. In this way, a gap serving as the above-mentionedaccommodation space Hs can be formed between the above-mentioned sidesurface of the first side wall portion 3141 and a region of the radialouter surface of the tubular portion 313 that faces the first side wallportion 3141 at least in the radial direction. Further, a gap serving asthe above-mentioned accommodation space Hs can be formed between theabove-mentioned side surface of the second side wall portion 3142 and aregion of the radial outer surface of the tubular portion 313 that facesthe second side wall portion 3142 at least in the radial direction.

Next, a configuration of the lower housing 32 will be described withreference to FIGS. 1 to 4 . FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged view of theconnection portion between the upper housing 31 and the lower housing32. Note that FIG. 4 is an enlargement of a portion B surrounded by thebroken line in FIG. 2 .

The lower housing 32 is a lower lid portion that covers the lower end ofthe tubular portion 313. As described above, the housing 3 has the lowerhousing 32. The lower housing 32 has a bottom plate portion 321, a lowerbearing holder 322, and a peripheral wall portion 323. In other words,the housing 3 has a bottom plate portion 321, a lower bearing holder322, and a peripheral wall portion 323.

The bottom plate portion 321 extends radially outward from the centeraxis CA. The bottom plate portion 321 is provided with an opening(reference numeral omitted) surrounding the center axis CA.

The lower bearing holder 322 has a tubular shape and extends upward fromthe radial inner end of the bottom plate portion 321 along the edge ofthe opening. The shaft 10 is inserted in the lower bearing holder 322 inthe axial direction. The lower bearing Br2 is arranged on the radialinner surface of the lower bearing holder 322. The lower bearing holder322 rotatably supports the lower portion of the shaft 10 via the lowerbearing Br2. The lower bearing Br2 is a ball bearing in this exampleembodiment. However, the present disclosure is not limited to thisexample, and the lower bearing Br2 may be, for example, a sleevebearing.

In this example embodiment, the lower bearing holder 322 is a differentpart of the same member as the bottom plate portion 321. However, thepresent disclosure is not limited to the example of the present exampleembodiment, and the lower bearing holder 322 may be a separate body fromthe bottom plate portion 321. For example, the lower bearing holder 322may be a separate member integrally molded with at least the bottomplate portion 321.

The peripheral wall portion 323 protrudes upward from the radial outerend of the bottom plate portion 321, and extends in the circumferentialdirection. As shown in FIG. 4 , the upper end of the peripheral wallportion 323 is connected to the lower end of the tubular portion 313.More specifically, a protruding wall portion 3231 is formed at the upperend of the peripheral wall portion 323. The protruding wall portion 3231has a tubular shape and protrudes upward at the upper end of theperipheral wall portion 323. The protruding wall portion 3231 is fittedinto the lower end of the tubular portion 313.

In this fitting portion, it is preferable that the protruding wallportion 3231 is fitted into the lower end of the tubular portion 313 viaa sealing member Se, as in the present example embodiment. That is, thelower end of the tubular portion 313 is connected to the lower housing32 via the seal member Se. As the seal member Se, for example, asilicone-based sealing material, or a gasket such as an O-ring or anX-ring can be used. In this way, the seal member Se can connect thelower end of the tubular portion 313 and the lower housing 32 without agap. Therefore, the waterproof and dustproof properties at theconnecting portion between the two can be further improved. However, thepresent disclosure is not limited to this example, and in theabove-mentioned fitting portion, the protruding wall portion 3231 may bedirectly fitted into the lower end of the tubular portion 313.

Next, the side substrate 41 and the upper substrate 42 will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 .

The side substrate 41 faces the radial outer end surface of the tubularportion 313 in the radial direction, and the side substrate 41 extendsin a direction intersecting the upper substrate 42. In this exampleembodiment, the side substrate 41 extends parallel to the axialdirection.

The side substrate 41 is fixed to the radial outer surface of thetubular portion 313. In this way, even if the motor 1 vibrates, the sidesubstrate 41 can be stably fixed.

In the present example embodiment, the side substrate 41 is screwed tothe radial outer surface of the tubular portion 313. The side substrate41 can be more reliably fixed to the tubular portion 313 by screwing.More specifically, the side substrate 41 is screwed to the pedestalportion 3131 of the tubular portion 313 using screws (reference numeralsomitted). That is, the tubular portion 313 has the pedestal portion3131. The pedestal portion 3131 protrudes radially outward on the radialouter surface of the tubular portion 313. In FIG. 1 , the pedestalportion 3131 includes a first pedestal portion 31311, a second pedestalportion 31312, a third pedestal portion 31313, and a fourth pedestalportion 31314. The first pedestal portion 31311 and the second pedestalportion 31312 protrude radially outward and extend upward at the upperend of the radial outer surface of the tubular portion 313. The thirdpedestal portion 31313 and the fourth pedestal portion 31314 protruderadially outward at the lower end of the radial outer surface of thetubular portion 313. In the axial direction, the first pedestal portion31311 and the second pedestal portion 31312 directly face the lowersurface of the upper wall portion 3143 of the frame portion 314.Further, the third pedestal portion 31313 and the fourth pedestalportion 31314 directly face the upper surface of the lower wall portion3144. Further, in the circumferential direction Dr, the first pedestalportion 31311 and the third pedestal portion 31313 directly face one endsurface in the circumferential direction of the first side wall portion3141. Further, the second pedestal portion 31312 and the fourth pedestalportion 31314 directly face the other end face in the circumferentialdirection of the second side wall portion 3142. In FIG. 1 , the sidesubstrate 41 is screwed to the first pedestal portion 31311, the secondpedestal portion 31312, the third pedestal portion 31313, and the fourthpedestal portion 31314.

However, the fixing structure of the side substrate 41 is not limited tothis example. FIGS. 5A and 5B show modifications of the fixing structureof the side substrate 41. Note that in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the tubularportion 313 does not have the pedestal portion 3131.

For example, in FIG. 5A, the side substrate 41 has a protrusion 411. Theprotrusion 411 protrudes radially inward from the radial inner surfaceof the side substrate 41. A hole 3132 is formed on the radial outersurface of the tubular portion 313. In FIG. 5A, the hole 3132 is arecess recessed radially inward, and is formed on the radial outersurface of the tubular portion 313. The side substrate 41 is fixed tothe tubular portion 313 by fitting the protrusion 411 into the hole3132.

Not limited to the example of FIG. 5A, a protrusion may be formed on theradial outer surface of the tubular portion 313, and a hole such as athrough hole may be formed on the side substrate 41. That is, one of theradial inner surface of the side substrate 41 and the radial outersurface of the tubular portion 313 may be provided with a protrusionthat protrudes from one to the other along the radial direction.Further, the other of the radial inner surface of the side substrate 41and the radial outer surface of the tubular portion 313 may be providedwith a hole extending from the other to one along the radial direction.By fitting the protrusion into the hole, the side substrate 41 is fixedto the radial outer surface of the tubular portion 313. For example, byfitting a protrusion such as a press-fit pin into the hole, the sidesubstrate 41 can be fixed to the radial outer surface of the housing 3with a simpler configuration.

Further, in FIG. 5B, the tubular portion 313 has a protruding portion3133 and a caulking portion 3134. The side substrate 41 has a throughhole 412. The protruding portion 3133 is made of a metal such as Al, isprovided on the radial outer surface of the tubular portion 313, andprotrudes radially outward. The through hole 412 is a hole formed in theside substrate 41 and penetrates the side substrate 41 in the radialdirection. The caulking portion 3134 is a portion in which the radialouter end of the protruding portion 3133 penetrating through the throughhole 412 is crushed. That is, with the caulking portion 3134 provided atthe tip of the protruding portion 3133 inserted into the through hole412 on the radially outward side from the radial outer surface of theside substrate 41, the side substrate 41 is fixed to the radial outersurface of the housing 3. In this way, the side substrate 41 can be morereliably fixed to the radial outer surface of the housing 3 withoutincreasing the number of parts.

The upper substrate 42 extends in the direction perpendicular to theaxial direction and is disposed above the motor 1. The upper substrate42 is accommodated in the upper substrate accommodating chamber Sp2. Theupper substrate 42 is disposed above the upper lid portion 311. In thisexample embodiment, the upper substrate 42 is fixed to the upper surfaceof the upper lid portion 311 of the housing 3. In this way, the uppersubstrate 42 can dissipate heat to the upper lid portion 311. That is,the upper lid portion 311 can function as a heat sink for the uppersubstrate 42. This effect is particularly effective when the upper lidportion 311 is made of metal.

Further, the upper substrate 42 is disposed radially inward with respectto the upper wall portion 3143. That is, the upper substrate 42 islocated radially inward with respect to the radial inner surface of theupper wall portion 3143. That is, as viewed from the axial direction,the upper substrate 42 does not overlap with the upper wall portion3143. In this way, when the upper substrate 42 is accommodated in theupper substrate accommodating chamber Sp2, the upper substrate 42 isunlikely to hit the upper wall portion 3143. Therefore, by moving theupper substrate 42 downward from above the upper substrate accommodatingchamber Sp2, the upper substrate 42 can be accommodated in the uppersubstrate accommodating chamber Sp2 without hitting the upper wallportion 3143. Therefore, the upper substrate 42 can be easilyaccommodated in the upper substrate accommodating chamber Sp2.

Further, the upper substrate 42 is electrically connected to the outsideof the motor assembly 100 via a connection portion (not shown) formed inthe upper cover portion 72. In this way, for example, it is notnecessary to provide a connection portion of the motor assembly 100 withthe outside on the radial outer surface of the side substrate 41, sothat the radial size of the motor assembly 100 can be further reduced.

In the present example embodiment, the above-mentioned connectionportion is a part of the upper cover portion 72. However, the presentdisclosure is not limited to the example, and the connection portion maybe a member different from the upper cover portion 72. For example, theconnection portion may have a terminal that electrically connects theupper substrate 42 and the outside, and a resin or metal holding memberthat holds the terminal. One end of the terminal is electricallyconnected to the upper substrate 42 or a mounted component on the uppersubstrate 42. The other end of the terminal is exposed to the outside ofthe motor assembly 100 and can be electrically connected to the outsideof the motor assembly 100. The holding member is attached to aconnection hole formed in the upper cover portion 72 and closes theconnection hole. For example, the holding member is fitted into theconnection hole after the upper cover portion 72 is attached to theupper housing 31. Preferably, the holding member is fitted into theconnection hole via the seal member.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the motor assembly 100 includes a detector Sr, acontrol device Ec, a drive circuit Ed, and electronic components E1 andE2.

The detector Sr is a sensor that detects the rotation angle position ofthe rotor 11 included in the motor 1. In the present example embodiment,the detector Sr is mounted on the upper substrate 42 and transmits adetection result of the rotation angle position to the control device Ecvia the connector portion 6. However, the present disclosure is notlimited to the example, and the detector Sr may be mounted on the sidesubstrate 41. Preferably, as in the present example embodiment, thedetector Sr is mounted on the substrate on which the drive circuit Ed ismounted.

The control device Ec controls the drive of the motor 1. In the presentexample embodiment, the control device Ec that controls the drive of themotor 1 is mounted on the side substrate 41. By mounting a controldevice Ec such as a microcomputer on the side substrate 41, heat can bedissipated from the control device Ec to the tubular portion 313 of thehousing 3. This effect is particularly effective when the tubularportion 313 is made of metal. Further, as compared with theconfiguration in which the control device Ec is mounted on the uppersubstrate 42, it is possible to suppress an increase in size of theupper substrate 42.

The control device Ec is electrically connected to a drive circuit Eddescribed later mounted on the upper substrate 42 via the connectorportion 6. For example, the control device Ec calculates the driveinstruction of the motor 1 based on the detection result of the rotationangle position transmitted from the detector Sr via the connectorportion 6, and transmits the drive instruction to the drive circuit Edvia the connector portion 6. As described above, in the present exampleembodiment, transmission of the detection result of the rotation angleposition from the detector Sr of the upper substrate 42 to the controldevice Ec of the side substrate 41, and transmission of the driveinstruction from the control device Ec of the side substrate 41 to thedrive circuit Ed of the upper substrate 42 can be performed with oneconnector portion 6. Since the number of parts is smaller than aconfiguration in which each transmission is performed by a separatemember, workability in the connection process between the side substrate41 and the upper substrate 42 is improved.

The drive circuit Ed drives the motor 1 by supplying a drive current tothe stator 12. The drive circuit Ed of the motor 1 is mounted on theupper substrate 42. The drive circuit Ed is controlled by the controldevice Ec mounted on the side substrate 41. For example, the drivecircuit Ed drives the motor 1 based on a drive instruction transmittedfrom the control device Ec via the connector portion 6. By mounting thedrive circuit Ed of the motor on the upper substrate 42 that is separatefrom the side substrate 41 on which the control device Ec is mounted,the control device Ec is less likely to be affected by theelectromagnetic noise generated in the drive circuit Ed. Therefore, thecontrol device Ec can operate more accurately.

Note that the control device Ec may be mounted on the upper substrate 42without being limited to the above-mentioned example. And/or the drivecircuit Ed may be mounted on the side substrate 41. Preferably, thedrive circuit Ed of the motor 1 may be mounted on one of the sidesubstrate 41 and the upper substrate 42. Further, the control device Ecfor controlling the drive circuit Ed may be mounted on the other of theside substrate 41 and the upper substrate 42. With such a configuration,since the control device Ec is mounted on the other substrate other thanthe one substrate on which the drive circuit Ed of the motor 1 ismounted, the control device Ec is less likely to be affected by theelectromagnetic noise generated in the drive circuit Ed. Therefore, thecontrol device Ec can operate more accurately.

The electronic component E1 is mounted on the side substrate 41. Theelectronic component E1 has a shape having a longitudinal direction, andextends radially inward from the radial inner surface of the sidesubstrate 41. At least the radial inner end of the electronic componentE1 is accommodated in the accommodation space Hs. Further, in thevicinity of the radial inner end of the electronic component E1, therecess 3130 for contact prevention is provided on the radial outersurface of the tubular portion 313. The electronic component E1includes, for example, a large-sized electronic component such as aregulator, a film capacitor, or an electrolytic capacitor that outputs aconstant voltage to the control device Ec or the like. When theelectronic component E1 having a longitudinal direction is mounted onthe substrate, the size of the motor assembly 100 in the normaldirection of the mounting surface of the side substrate 41 tends toincrease. By accommodating the electronic component E1 mounted on theside substrate 41 in the accommodation space Hs, it is possible tosuppress an increase in size of the motor assembly 100.

Further, the electronic component E2 has a shape having a longitudinaldirection in a direction parallel to the upper substrate 42, and isinstalled in a component holder Eh mounted on the upper substrate 42.The electronic component E2 is a large-sized electronic component suchas a film capacitor or an electrolytic capacitor, and is electricallyconnected to the upper substrate 42 via the component holder Eh.

By installing the electronic component E2 in the component holder Eh,for example, it is possible to prevent the electronic component E2 movedby its own weight from coming into contact with the upper substrate 42.For example, if the electrolytic capacitor is turned sideways andmounted directly on the upper substrate 42, it may gradually falldownward due to its own weight, so that it may come into direct contactwith the upper substrate 42. Such contact can be avoided by installingthe electronic component E2 in the component holder Eh. The electroniccomponent E2 may be fixed to the component holder Eh using an adhesive.By doing so, the movement of the electronic component E2 can besuppressed more effectively, so that the above-mentioned contact can bemore reliably avoided.

The component holder Eh is made of resin in this example embodiment. Theabove-mentioned component holder Eh is integrally molded with aconductive member (reference numeral omitted) that electrically connectsthe connection portion of the upper cover portion 72 and the uppersubstrate, and a bus bar for electronic components (reference numeralomitted) that electrically connects a plurality of electronic componentsE2 to each other. That is, the above-mentioned conductive member and thebus bar for electronic components are fixed by the component holder Eh.

In this way, by mounting the component holder Eh on the upper substrate42, it is possible to position the conductive member and the bus bar forelectronic components more accurately. Therefore, the electricalconnection between the conductive member and the bus bar for electroniccomponents can be more reliably performed, and the connection workbecomes easier. Further, it is possible to avoid a possibility that theconductive member and the bus bar for electronic components come intocontact with an unintended member.

Further, since the conductive member and the bus bar for electroniccomponents are molded with resin, it is possible to avoid a shortcircuit between the conductive member and the electronic component E2 orthe bus bar for electronic components.

In the present example embodiment, as described above, the electroniccomponents E1 and E2 having the longitudinal direction are mounted onboth the side substrate 41 and the upper substrate 42. However, thepresent disclosure is not limited to this example, and an electroniccomponent having a longitudinal direction may be mounted on one of theside substrate 41 and the upper substrate 42. That is, at least one ofthe side substrate and the upper substrate 42 may be equipped withelectronic components having a longitudinal direction.

Preferably, the longitudinal direction of the electronic components E1and E2 is parallel to the direction in which one of the above substrateson which the electronic components E1 and E2 are mounted spreads. Inthis way, for example, even if an electronic component having alongitudinal direction is mounted on the side substrate 41, it ispossible to suppress an increase in the radial size of the spacerequired for arranging the side substrate 41. Further, even if theelectronic components E1 and E2 having the longitudinal direction aremounted on the upper substrate 42 extending in the directionperpendicular to the axial direction, it is possible to suppress anincrease in the axial size of the space required for arranging the uppersubstrate 42. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in sizeof the motor assembly 100.

Next, the connector portion 6 will be described with reference to FIGS.1 to 3 . The connector portion 6 electrically connects the uppersubstrate 42 and the side substrate 41. More specifically, the connectorportion 6 electrically connects the wiring pattern formed on the uppersubstrate 42 and the wiring pattern formed on the side substrate 41. Forexample, the detector Sr and the drive circuit Ed mounted on the uppersubstrate 42 are electrically connected to the control device Ec via oneconnector portion 6. In the present example embodiment, the connectorportion 6 carries out signal transmission from the side substrate 41 tothe upper substrate 42 and signal transmission from the upper substrate42 to the side substrate 41.

As viewed from the axial direction, the connector portion 6 overlapswith the housing 3. Preferably, as viewed from the axial direction, theentire connector portions 6 overlaps with the housing 3. In this way,the radial size of the motor assembly 100 can be made smaller than theconfiguration in which the entire connector portion 6 is located outsidethe housing 3 as viewed from the axial direction. Therefore, the motorassembly 100 can be downsized.

Further, as viewed from the axial direction, a part of the connectorportion 6 overlaps with the tubular portion 313. In this way, the radialsize of the motor assembly 100 can be made smaller than that in theconfiguration in which the connector portion 6 is arranged radiallyoutward from the tubular portion 313.

Further, inside the housing 3, the upper substrate 42 is electricallyconnected to the connector portion 6. In this way, the motor assembly100 can be downsized as compared with the configuration in which theupper substrate 42 is electrically connected to the connector portion 6outside the housing 3.

Further, the connector portion 6 is housed in the passage space Sp3formed in the upper lid portion 311. In this way, the side substrate 41and the upper substrate 42 can be electrically connected by theconnector portion 6 through the passage space Sp3. Therefore, the axialsize of the motor assembly 100 can be further reduced as compared withthe configuration in which the connector portion 6 is disposed above theupper lid portion 311.

Further, the connector portion 6 is disposed on the motor 1 side in theaxial direction with respect to the upper substrate 42. In this way, forexample, the connector portion 6 can be connected to the lower surfaceof the upper substrate 42. Therefore, the axial size of the motorassembly 100 can be made smaller.

Next, the connector portion 6 has a connector 61 and a connector 62. Theconnector 61 is mounted on the side substrate 41 and is electricallyconnected to the wiring pattern of the side substrate 41. The connector62 is mounted on the upper substrate 42 and is electrically connected tothe wiring pattern of the upper substrate 42.

In this example embodiment, the connector 61 and the connector 62 faceeach other in the radial direction and are electrically connected toeach other. In this case, for example, after the upper substrate 42 isattached to the housing 3, the side substrate 41 is moved in the radialdirection and attached to the housing 3. Since the connector 61 and theconnector 62 face each other in the radial direction at the time of theattachment, the connector 61 can be electrically connected to theconnector 62 as the side substrate 41 moves. That is, it is notnecessary to electrically connect the connector 61 and the connector 62separately from the attachment of the side substrate 41. Therefore, thenumber of assembly steps of the motor assembly 100 can be reduced.Accordingly, productivity of the motor assembly 100 can be improved.

More specifically, the connector 61 has a female terminal (not shown)that is recessed radially outward. The connector 62 has a male terminal(not shown) that protrudes radially outward. Alternatively, theconnector 61 may have a male terminal that protrudes radially inward,and the connector 62 may have a female terminal that is recessedradially inward. The male terminal is fitted into the female terminal bymoving the side substrate 41 radially inward and attaching it to thehousing 3 with the male terminal and the female terminal facing eachother in the radial direction. As a result, the connector 61 and theconnector 62 are conducted, and the side substrate 41 and the uppersubstrate 42 are electrically connected.

The connector 61 and the connector 62 may face each other in the axialdirection and be electrically connected to each other without beinglimited to the examples of the present example embodiment. In that case,for example, after the side substrate 41 is attached to the housing 3,the upper substrate 42 is moved in the axial direction and attached tothe housing 3.

Since the connector 61 and the connector 62 face each other in the axialdirection during the attachment, the connector 61 can be electricallyconnected to the connector 62 as the upper substrate 42 moves. That is,it is not necessary to electrically connect the connector 61 and theconnector 62 separately from the attachment of the upper substrate 42.Therefore, the number of assembly steps of the motor assembly 100 can bereduced.

Accordingly, productivity of the motor assembly 100 can be improved.

More specifically, the connector 61 may have a female terminal that isrecessed downward, and the connector 62 may have a male terminal thatprotrudes downward. Alternatively, the connector 61 may have a maleterminal that protrudes upward, and the connector 62 may have a femaleterminal that is recessed upward. By moving the upper substrate 42downward and attaching it to the housing 3 with the male terminal andthe female terminal facing each other in the axial direction, the maleterminal is fitted into the female terminal. As a result, the connector61 and the connector 62 are conducted, and the side substrate 41 and theupper substrate 42 are electrically connected.

Next, the cover member 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to3 . The cover member 7 has a side cover portion 71 that covers theradial outer end surface of the side substrate 41, and an upper coverportion 72 that covers the upper surface of the upper substrate 42. Theouter edge of the side cover portion 71 as viewed from the radialdirection is in contact with the housing 3 via the seal member 712.Further, the outer edge of the upper cover portion 72 as viewed from theaxial direction is in contact with the housing 3 via the seal member722.

When the side substrate 41 faces the radial outer end surface of thetubular portion 313 in the radial direction and the upper substrate 42extending perpendicular to the axial direction is disposed above themotor 1, it is necessary to consider the waterproof and dustproofproperties of both the portion where the outer edge of the side coverportion 71 as viewed from the radial direction is in contact with thehousing 3 in the radial direction and the portion where the outer edgeof the upper cover portion 72 as viewed from the axial direction is incontact with the housing 3 in the axial direction. As described above,by bringing the outer edge of the side cover portion 71 as viewed fromthe radial direction and the outer edge of the upper cover portion 72 asviewed from the axial direction into contact with the housing 3 via theseal members 712 and 722 without a gap, it is possible to furtherenhance the waterproof and dustproof properties of the contact portionbetween the cover member 7 and the housing 3, and to protect the sidesubstrate 41 and the upper substrate 42 from water, dust and the like.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the side cover portion 71 extends in a directionintersecting the direction from the center axis CA toward the centralportion of the side cover portion 71 as viewed from the axial direction.The side cover portion 71 is attached to the radial outer end of theframe portion 314. More specifically, the outer edge of the side coverportion 71 as viewed from the radial direction is in contact with theradial outer end of the first side wall portion 3141, the radial outerend of the second side wall portion 3142, the radial outer end of theupper wall portion 3143, and the radial outer end of the lower wallportion 3144. In this way, the side substrate 41 can be accommodated inthe side substrate accommodating chamber Sp1 surrounded by the frameportion 314 and the side cover portion 71. Further, the frame portion314 and the side cover portion 71 can protect the side substrate 41accommodated in the side substrate accommodating chamber Sp1 from water,dust, and the like outside the housing 3.

In the present example embodiment, the outer edge of the side coverportion 71 as viewed from the radial direction is in contact with theradial outer end of the frame portion 314 via the seal member 712. Asthe seal member 712, for example, a silicone-based sealing material, agasket such as an O-ring or an X-ring can be used. In this way, theinside of the frame portion 314 can be closed by the side cover portion71. Therefore, the side substrate 41 disposed in the side substrateaccommodating chamber Sp1 surrounded by the tubular portion 313, theframe portion 314, and the side cover portion 71 can be protected by theside cover portion 71.

A recess 711 is formed on the outer edge of the side cover portion 71 asviewed from the radial direction. The recess 711 is recessed radiallyoutward from the outer edge and extends along the outer edge. Theprotrusion 3140 of the frame portion 314 fits into the recess 711. Inthe present example embodiment, the recess 711 has a closed curved shapeformed throughout the outer edge as viewed from the radial direction.However, the present disclosure is not limited to this example, and therecess 711 and the protrusion 3140 do not have to have a closed curvedshape as viewed from the radial direction. For example, the recess 711may be formed in a part of the outer edge portion. Further, it may beformed on a part of the radial outer end of the frame portion 314.

Preferably, the protrusion 3140 fits into the recess 711 via the sealmember 712. More preferably, the seal member 712 is disposed between theprotrusion 3140 and the recess 711 throughout the outer edge of the sidecover portion 71 as viewed from the radial direction. In this way, theconnection portion between the side cover portion 71 and the radialouter end of the frame portion 314 can be sealed with the seal member712. Therefore, the ingress of water, dust, and the like at theconnection portion can be suppressed more effectively. Therefore, theside substrate 41 disposed in the side substrate accommodating chamberSp1 surrounded by the frame portion 314 and the side cover portion 71can be protected from water, dust, and the like from the outside of theupper housing 31 and the side cover portion 71.

Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the example of thepresent example embodiment, and a protrusion protruding radially inwardmay be provided to the outer edge of the side cover portion 71 as viewedfrom the radial direction. In that case, the frame portion 314 of thehousing 3 is provided with a recess that is recessed radially inward andinto which the protrusion fits. That is, it is sufficient that one ofthe outer edge of the side cover portion 71 as viewed from the radialdirection and the housing 3 has a first protrusion protruding from onetoward the other. Further, it is sufficient that the other of the outeredge of the side cover portion 71 as viewed from the radial directionand the housing 3 has a first recess that is recessed from one towardthe other. Note that the first protrusion is fitted into the firstrecess. Then, preferably, the seal member 712 may be disposed betweenthe first protrusion and the first recess. In this way, a labyrinthstructure in which the first protrusion is fitted in the first recesscan be formed between the outer edge of the side cover portion 71 asviewed from the radial direction and the housing 3. Further, thelabyrinth structure can be sealed with the seal member 712. Therefore,the waterproof and dustproof properties of the labyrinth structure canbe further enhanced.

Alternatively, the first protrusion described above may not be provided.For example, in FIG. 2 , the recess 711 may be provided, while theprotrusion 3140 may not be provided. In that case, the outer edge of theside cover portion 71 as viewed from the radial direction comes intocontact with the radial outer end of the frame portion 314 via the sealmember 712 partially housed in the recess 711. Even in this way, theside cover portion 71 can protect the side substrate 41 accommodated inthe side substrate accommodating chamber Sp1.

Further, the side cover portion 71 is provided below the raised portion315 and above the lower end of the tubular portion 313. In this way,since the side cover portion 71 can be attached to the upper housing 31of the integrated structure including the raised portion and the tubularportion, the seal structure by the side cover portion 71 can be easilyformed.

Further, preferably, the contact portion between the outer edge of theside cover portion 71 as viewed from the radial direction and thehousing 3 is disposed at the same radial position as the radial outerend of the raised portion 315, or radially inward with respect to theradial outer end of the raised portion 315. In this way, it is possibleto prevent the contact portion from protruding radially outward from theradial outer end of the raised portion 315 that protects the upper endof the side cover portion 71. Therefore, even if the side substrate 41is covered with the side cover portion 71, it is possible to suppress anincrease in the radial size of the motor assembly 100.

More preferably, the radial outer end of the side cover portion 71 isdisposed at the same radial position as the radial outer end of theraised portion 315, or radially inward with respect to the radial outerend of the raised portion 315. In this way, it is possible to preventthe side cover portion 71 from protruding radially outward from theradial outer end of the raised portion 315. Therefore, it is possible tofurther suppress an increase in the radial size of the motor assembly100.

More preferably, the radial outer end of the side cover portion 71 isdisposed at the same radial position as the radial outer end of theraised portion 315. In this way, it is possible to suppress an increasein the radial size of the raised portion 315 while protecting the upperend of the side cover portion 71 with the raised portion 315. Therefore,an increase in the radial size of the motor assembly 100 can besuppressed more effectively.

The width of the side cover portion 71 in the first direction D1 ispreferably equal to or less than the width of the raised portion 315 inthe first direction D1.

For example, one end of the side cover portion 71 in the first directionD1 may be at the same position as one end of the raised portion 315 inthe first direction D1, in the first direction D1. Alternatively, oneend of the side cover portion 71 in the first direction D1 may be on theother side of the raised portion 315 in the first direction D1 than oneend of the raised portion 315 in the first direction D1.

Further, the other end of the side cover portion 71 in the firstdirection D1 may be at the same position as the other end of the raisedportion 315 in the first direction D1, in the first direction D1.Alternatively, the other end of the side cover portion 71 in the firstdirection D1 may be on one side of the raised portion 315 in the firstdirection D1 than the other end of the raised portion 315 in the firstdirection D1.

In this way, the upper portion of the connection portion of the frameportion 314 and the side cover portion 71, located below the raisedportion 315, can be protected by the raised portion 315. However, thepresent disclosure is not limited to this example, and the width of theside cover portion 71 in the first direction D1 does not have to be lessthan or equal to the width of the raised portion 315 in the firstdirection D1.

Further, preferably, as shown in FIG. 3 , a first width W1 of the sidecover portion 71 in a direction perpendicular to both the axialdirection and the radial direction, as viewed from the radial direction,is equal to or less than a second width W2 of the tubular portion 313 inthat direction. For example, the first width W1 is the width of the sidecover portion 71 in the first direction D1. The second width W2 is thewidth of the tubular portion 313 in the first direction D1. In otherwords, it is the diameter of the tubular portion 313. In this way, bothends of the side cover portion 71 do not protrude outward from thetubular portion 313 in the above direction, as compared with theconfiguration in which the first width W1 is wider than the second widthW2. Therefore, the radial size of the motor assembly 100 can be madesmaller. Further, the possibility that the side cover portion 71(particularly both ends thereof) hits an external object and receives animpact can be further reduced.

Next, the upper cover portion 72 will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 3 . The upper cover portion 72 has a covered tubular shape inthe present example embodiment, and covers an upper opening Op at theupper end of the upper housing 31. In this way, the upper substrateaccommodating chamber Sp2 can be closed with the upper cover portion 72.Therefore, the upper substrate 42 disposed in the upper substrateaccommodating chamber Sp2 can be protected by the upper cover portion72.

In the present example embodiment, the outer edge of the upper coverportion 72 as viewed from the axial direction is in contact with theupper housing 31 via the seal member 722. More specifically, the outeredge of the upper cover portion 72 as viewed from the axial directioncomes into contact with the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 316and the upper end of the upper wall portion 3143 via the seal member722. As the seal member 722, for example, a silicone-based sealingmaterial or a gasket such as an O-ring or an X-ring can be used. In thisway, the upper cover portion 72 can protect the upper substrate 42accommodated in the upper substrate accommodating chamber Sp2 fromwater, dust, and the like outside the housing 3.

A protrusion 721 is formed on the outer edge of the upper cover portion72 as viewed from the axial direction. The protrusion 721 protrudesdownward from the outer edge and extends along the outer edge. A part ofthe protrusion 721 is fitted in the groove Gr formed at the upper end ofthe upper housing 31.

In the present example embodiment, the protrusion 721 and the groove Grhave a closed curved shape formed throughout the outer edge as viewedfrom the axial direction. However, the present disclosure is not limitedto this example, and the protrusion 721 and the groove Gr do not have tohave a closed curved shape as viewed from the radial direction. Forexample, the protrusion 721 may be formed on a part of the outer edge.Further, the groove Gr may be formed in a part of the upper end of theperipheral wall portion 316 and the upper end of the upper wall portion3143.

Preferably, the protrusion 721 fits into the groove Gr via the sealmember 722. More preferably, the seal member 722 is disposed between theprotrusion 721 and the groove Gr throughout the lower end of the uppercover portion 72. In this way, the connection portion between the uppercover portion 72 and the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 316,and the upper wall portion 3143 can be sealed with the seal member 722.Therefore, the ingress of water, dust, and the like at the connectionportion can be suppressed more effectively. Therefore, the uppersubstrate 42 disposed inside the upper substrate accommodating chamberSp2 and the upper cover portion 72, the electronic component E2 mountedon the upper substrate 42, and the like, can be protected from water,dust, and the like from the outside of the upper housing 31 and theupper cover portion 72.

Note that a recess recessed upward may be arranged on the outer edge ofthe upper cover portion 72 as viewed from the axial direction, withoutbeing limited to the example of the present example embodiment. In thatcase, on the upper surface of the peripheral wall portion 316 of thehousing 3 and the upper surface of the upper wall portion 3143,protrusions that are protruded upward to be fitted into the recesses areprovided. That is, it is sufficient that one of the outer edge of theupper cover portion 72 and the housing 3, as viewed from the axialdirection, has a second protrusion protruding from one side toward theother. Further, it is sufficient that the other of the outer edge of theupper cover portion 72 and the housing, as viewed from the axialdirection, has a second recess that is recessed from one to the other.The second protrusion is fitted into the second recess. Then,preferably, the seal member 722 is disposed between the secondprotrusion and the second recess. In this way, a labyrinth structure inwhich the second protrusion is fitted in the second recess can be formedbetween the outer edge of the upper cover portion 72 and the housing 3as viewed from the axial direction. Further, the labyrinth structure canbe sealed with the seal member 722. Therefore, the waterproof anddustproof properties of the labyrinth structure can be further enhanced.

Alternatively, the above-mentioned second protrusion may not beprovided. For example, in FIG. 2 , the protrusion 721 may not beprovided on the upper cover portion 72 while the groove Gr is provided.In that case, the outer edge of the upper cover portion 72, as viewedfrom the axial direction, comes into contact with the upper housing 31via the seal member 722 that is partially accommodated in the groove Gr.Even in this way, the upper cover portion 72 can protect the uppersubstrate 42 accommodated in the upper substrate accommodating chamberSp2.

Next, first to third modifications of the motor assembly will bedescribed. In the following, configurations different from theconfiguration in the abovementioned example embodiment will bedescribed. Further, the same components as those in the above-describedexample embodiment are designated by the same reference signs, and thedescription thereof may be omitted.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the motor assembly 100 according toa first modification as viewed from the axial direction. In the firstmodification, as shown in FIG. 6 , the upper wall portion 3143 includingthe raised portion 315 is not provided to the motor assembly 100. Thatis, the frame portion 314 has the first side wall portion 3141, thesecond side wall portion 3142, and the lower wall portion 3144, but doesnot have the upper wall portion 3143. Therefore, in the upper housing31, the side substrate accommodating chamber Sp1 is directly connectedto the upper substrate accommodating chamber Sp2.

Further, the motor assembly 100 according to the first modification hasa cover member 73 instead of the side cover portion 71 and the uppercover portion 72 of the above-described example embodiment. The covermember 73 is attached to the radial outer end and the upper end of theframe portion 314 and the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 316.The cover member 73 covers the radial outer surface of the sidesubstrate 41, the upper surface of the upper substrate 42, theelectronic component E2 mounted on the upper substrate 42, and the like.

In this way, with the cover member 73 being attached to the upperhousing 31, both the inside of the frame portion 314 and the uppersubstrate accommodating chamber Sp2 can be closed with the cover member73. Therefore, the side substrate 41, the upper substrate 42, theelectronic component E2 mounted on the upper substrate 42, and the likecan be protected by the cover member 73. Further, since the step ofindividually attaching the members such as the side cover portion 71 andthe upper cover portion 72 of the example embodiment can be simplified,the productivity of the motor assembly 100 can be improved.

The cover member 73 has a side cover portion 731 and an upper coverportion 732. The side cover portion 731 has a plate shape extendingdownward from the radial outer end of the upper cover portion 732, andcovers the radial outer surface of the side substrate 41. The side coverportion 731 surrounds the side substrate accommodating chamber Sp1together with the first side wall portion 3141, the second side wallportion 3142, and the lower wall portion 3144. The upper cover portion732 has a plate shape extending in the direction perpendicular to theaxial direction, and covers the upper opening Op and the upper surfaceof the upper substrate 42.

The outer edge of the side cover portion 731, as viewed from the radialdirection, is in contact with the radial outer end of the frame portion314. A protrusion 7310 is formed on the outer edge of the side coverportion 731 as viewed from the radial direction. The protrusion 7310protrudes radially outward from the outer edge and extends along theouter edge.

The outer edge of the upper cover portion 732, as viewed from the axialdirection, is in contact with the radial outer end of the peripheralwall portion 316 and the upper end portions of the pair of side wallportions 3141 and 3142 of the frame portion 324. Further, a protrusion7320 is formed on the outer edge of the upper cover portion 732 asviewed from the axial direction. The protrusion 7320 protrudes downwardfrom the outer edge and extends along the outer edge.

One end of the protrusion 7320 is connected to one end of the protrusion7310, and the other end of the protrusion 7320 is connected to the otherend of the protrusion 7310. In the present example embodiment, theprotrusion 7320 and the protrusion 7310 form a closed curved protrusionPr formed throughout the outer edge of the cover member 73.

On the other hand, in the upper housing 31, the recess 3160 formed atthe upper end of the peripheral wall portion 316, the recess formed atthe upper ends of the pair of side wall portions 3141 and 3142 (notshown), and the recess 3145 formed at the radial outer ends of the pairof side wall portions 3141 and 3142 and the radial outer end of thelower wall portion 3144 are connected to form a closed curved grooveGra.

The protrusion Pr fits into the groove Gra. Preferably, as shown in FIG.6 , the protrusion Pr fits into the groove Gra via the seal member 733.As the seal member 733, for example, a silicone-based sealing material,or a gasket such as an O-ring or an X-ring can be used. More preferably,the seal member 733 is disposed between the protrusion Pr and the grooveGra throughout the outer edge of the cover member 73. In this way, theconnection portion between the cover member 73 and the upper housing 31can be sealed with the seal member 733. Therefore, it is possible tosuppress the ingress of water, dust, and the like at the connectionportion.

In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to the example of thepresent example embodiment, and the groove Gra may be formed on thecover member 73 side and the protrusion Pr may be formed on the upperhousing 31 side.

Alternatively, the above-mentioned protrusion Pr may not be provided.For example, in FIG. 6 , the groove Gra is provided, while theprotrusion Pr does not have to be provided to the upper cover portion732. In that case, the outer edge of the upper cover portion 732, asviewed from the axial direction, comes into contact with the upperhousing 31 via the seal member 733 that is partially housed in thegroove Gra. Even in this way, the upper cover portion 732 can protectthe upper substrate 42 accommodated in the upper substrate accommodatingchamber Sp2.

Next, a second modification will be described. FIG. 7 is across-sectional view of the motor assembly 100 according to a secondmodification as viewed from the axial direction.

In the second modification, the side substrate 41 is fixed to the radialinner surface of the side cover portion 71 by using an adhesive.However, the fixing structure of the side substrate 41 is not limited tothis example. For example, the same means as in FIG. 5A or FIG. 5B maybe used.

Next, a third modification will be described. FIG. 8 is across-sectional view of the motor assembly 100 according to the thirdmodification as viewed from the axial direction.

In the third modification, the upper substrate 42, the substrate 43, andthe connector portion 6 are disposed inside the upper substrateaccommodating chamber Sp2 and the upper cover portion 72. The substrate43 has a plate shape extending parallel to the axial direction. Further,the motor assembly 100 is not provided with the frame portion 314, theside substrate accommodating chamber Sp1, the passage space Sp3, and thelike. The control device Ec and the connector 61 are mounted on thesubstrate 43.

The example embodiment of the present disclosure has been describedabove. Note that, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited tothe above-described example embodiment. The present disclosure can beimplemented by making various modifications to the above-mentionedexample embodiments without departing from the gist of the disclosure.In addition, the matters described in the above example embodiment canbe arbitrarily combined together, as appropriate, as long as there is noinconsistency.

The present disclosure is useful for a motor assembly having a pluralityof substrates.

Features of the above-described example embodiments and themodifications thereof may be combined appropriately as long as noconflict arises.

While example embodiments of the present disclosure have been describedabove, it is to be understood that variations and modifications will beapparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scopeand spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of the presentdisclosure, therefore, is to be determined solely by the followingclaims.

1-15. (canceled) 16: A motor assembly comprising: a housing; a firstsubstrate; a second substrate in a plate shape; and a connector portion;wherein the housing includes a tubular portion that accommodates a motorwith an axis of rotation extending in an axial direction; the firstsubstrate extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction;the second substrate extends in a direction intersecting the firstsubstrate; the connector portion electrically connects the firstsubstrate and the second substrate; and the connector portion overlapswith the housing as viewed from the axial direction. 17: The motorassembly according to claim 16, wherein a portion of the connectorportion overlaps with the tubular portion as viewed from the axialdirection. 18: The motor assembly according to claim 16, wherein theconnector portion includes: a first connector mounted on the firstsubstrate; and a second connector mounted on the second substrate; andthe first connector and the second connector oppose each other in theaxial direction or a radial direction, and are electrically connected toeach other. 19: The motor assembly according to claim 16, wherein thefirst substrate is electrically connected to the connector portioninside the housing. 20: The motor assembly according to claim 16,wherein the housing further includes an upper lid portion that covers anupper end of the tubular portion; a recess that is recessed downward isprovided at a radial outer end of an upper surface of the upper lidportion; the first substrate is above the upper lid portion; and theconnector portion is accommodated in the recess. 21: The motor assemblyaccording to claim 16, wherein the second substrate is fixed to a radialouter surface of the tubular portion. 22: The motor assembly accordingto claim 21, wherein the second substrate is screwed to the radial outersurface of the tubular portion. 23: The motor assembly according toclaim 21, wherein one of the radial inner surface of the secondsubstrate and the radial outer surface of the tubular portion isprovided with a protruding portion that protrudes from the one of theradial inner surface of the second substrate and the radial outersurface of the tubular portion toward another one of the radial innersurface of the second substrate and the radial outer surface of thetubular portion along the radial direction; the other one of the radialinner surface of the second substrate and the radial outer surface ofthe tubular portion is provided with a hole extending from the other oneof the radial inner surface of the second substrate and the radial outersurface of the tubular portion to the one along the radial direction;and the second substrate is fixed to the radial outer surface of thetubular portion with the protruding portion being fitted into the hole.24: The motor assembly according to claim 21, wherein the radial outersurface of the tubular portion is provided with a protruding portionthat is made of metal and protrudes radially outward; the secondsubstrate is provided with a through hole that penetrates the secondsubstrate in the radial direction; and the second substrate is fixed toa radial outer surface of the housing with a caulking portion beingprovided at a tip portion of the protruding portion inserted through thethrough hole. 25: The motor assembly according to claim 21, wherein acontroller to control driving of the motor is mounted on the secondsubstrate. 26: The motor assembly according to claim 25, wherein a drivecircuit of the motor is mounted on the first substrate; and the drivecircuit is controlled by the controller mounted on the second substrate.27: The motor assembly according to claim 16, wherein a detector todetect a rotation angle position of a rotor of the motor is mounted onthe first substrate; the detector transmits a detection result of therotation angle position to the controller via the connector portion; andthe controller transmits a drive instruction of the motor based on thedetection result to the drive circuit via the connector portion. 28: Themotor assembly according to claim 16, wherein an electronic componentextending in a longitudinal direction is mounted on at least onesubstrate of the first substrate and the second substrate; and thelongitudinal direction is parallel to a direction in which the onesubstrate of the first substrate and the second substrate extends. 29:The motor assembly according to claim 16, wherein the first substrate iselectrically connected to an outside of the motor assembly. 30: Themotor assembly according to claim 16, wherein the connector portion ison a motor side of the first substrate in the axial direction.